Manchester United have been forced to deny their owner Malcolm Glazer had died, after rumours of his demise spread around the world.

The Red Devils chief, 83, was reported dead on a host of Twitter accounts which credited the ‘breaking story’ to American news channel CNN.

Glazer’s name quickly became a worldwide trend on the social network after the rumour was re-reported by a clutch of influential tweeters, but United confirmed the information was bogus.

CNN were also quick to distance themselves from the claims, with digital producer John Sinnott saying: ‘At this time no one in CNN newsgathering or the shows have reported this or even heard rumblings on it.’

Glazer has been a far from popular figure among United fans since he took over the club in 2005, lumbering a huge amount of debt on to the Red Devils.

I just hope people don't jump for joy at news like this when he does hit the bucket. Regardless of what he's done with United, but he is still a living breathing person that hasn't 'as far as i'm aware' ever committed a heinous crime. No football club or sport is worth more then a life itself.